Sevilla vs Athletic Bilbao Preview

Sevilla lead 2-1 against Athletic Bilbao after the first leg but this was a pretty level game decided by an 83rd goal from substitute Vicente Iborra. This return leg should be an interesting tie although the visitors will have to work hard to overcome the away goals. They must score at least two goals so we should see some goal action on Thursday.

Form All Games Last 5

Average Goals Scored

Average Goals Conceded

Sevilla (home)

LWWWW

2.12

1.00

Athletic Bilbao (away)

LLWWW

1.25

1.62

Picks?

We fancy Sevilla to finish the job here and they should be able to keep the visitors at arms length and try to counterattack; go for Sevilla defenders/strikers but Bilbao may well have lots of possession so consider their midfielders.

Liverpool vs Borussia Dortmund Preview

This should be a cracking cup tie following a rather unexpected 1-1 draw in the first leg in Germany; it promises to be an all-action affair and that means we should see plenty of goals. Liverpool will attack because it’s the only way they seem to know how to play but the visitors will see plenty of the ball and are narrow favourites for the win.

Form All Games Last 5

Average Goals Scored

Average Goals Conceded

Liverpool (home)

WDWWL

1.60

1.27

Dortmund (away)

DWWWW

2.00

1.27

Picks?

Dortmund midfielders will see plenty of the ball but we’re obviously also looking at attacking players from both teams. Simon Mignolet in goal for Liverpool can earn some points if he makes plenty of saves but his selection is probably only for the brave.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Sporting Braga Preview

Shakhtar Donetsk grabbed an impressive 2-1 win in the away leg and should now be confident of finishing the job at home; they are fresh from an 8-1 hammering of Metalist in their domestic league and average almost 3 goals per game on their own patch. Braga have not won away from home in six games, scoring just once in the process.

Form All Games Last 5

Average Goals Scored

Average Goals Conceded

Donetsk (home)

WWWDD

2.62

0.77

Braga (away)

WWLWW

3.40

1.30

Picks?

We will be avoiding Braga players and looking to Shakhtar players from any position; there should be plenty of decent value options from which to select.

Sparta Prague vs Villareal Preview

This may be one of the closer ties of the evening as Villareal take a 2-1 lead to the Czech Republic; the home team are very strong on their own patch, averaging almost 3 goals per game but Villareal are a better class of opponent and have that narrow lead.

Form All Games Last 5

Average Goals Scored

Average Goals Conceded

Sparta Prague (home stats)

WWWDW

2.75

0.50

Villareal (away stats)

WDLDD

1.00

1.07

Picks?

Sparta Prague should have lots of pressure and possession with the Spaniards attacking on the break so home midfielders look to be a solid option along with attacking players from both teams.